Wanda Jean Whitaker

      Wanda Jean Whitaker, age 99, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away peacefully Friday, January 10, 2025, at her home with her family by her side.
       A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 17, 2025, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating. Burial will take place at Hamilton Township Cemetery, Hamilton Township, MI, at a later date. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
      Wanda was born in Hamilton Twp., Michigan on July 24, 1925, the daughter of Eugene Mason and Pearl Faye (Hill) Becker. Wanda married Raymond E. Whitaker on January 5, 1946. They were blessed with forty-four years of marriage prior to his passing on November 26, 1991.
      Wanda's faith was very important to her. She was a lifelong member of the Edgewood Church of God in Ithaca. Wanda was a positive and caring lady who had many friends who were very dear to her. She enjoyed collecting teapots and had many stories about her teapots. She liked to sing and participated in many Jamborees. Most of all, Wanda loved her family.
      She is survived by three sons: Edwin Whitaker, Randy (Kathleen) Whitaker, and Jeff Whitaker; eight grandchildren: Bruce (Tracy) Humphrey, Lena Wyeth, Randy Ray (Rebecca) Whitaker, David (Candy) Hunter, Brook (Joe) Bruinsma, Molly Whitaker, Nathan (Hua) Whitaker, Andrew (Jessica) Whitaker; and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Raymond, two sons: Franklin and James, one daughter-in-law Bonnie Whitaker, grandson Deryck Whitaker, and sister Melba (James) Kostal.
     Memorials may be made to Edgewood Church of God, 160 S. Berry Road Ithaca, MI 48847, or Gratiot County Commission on Aging, 515 S. Pine River St., Ithaca, MI 48847. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.